Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
Shopping Guide to the 2024 Highlander vs Explorer
The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer have been rivals for decades. What’s different in 2024?
And what about the 2025 Explorer? It looks like it will challenge 2024 Highlanders for much of the calendar year.
Get answers in this quick shopping guide to these popular 3 row SUVs.
Explorer vs Highlander Drivability
When you look at the Ford Explorer, you’ll find superior power outlay compared to the 2024 Toyota Highlander in Phoenix. The critic Kelley Blue Book writes that the new Explorer is really nice “merging into freeway traffic without the drama.” That’s saying a lot for a big 3 row SUV.
Rear wheel drive adds fun to the Explorer’s handling. A ten-speed automatic transmission guarantees the best use of the power. The Toyota Highlander engine manages the same torque outlay as the Explorer. However it lacks 35 horses under the hood. Plus it has the more boring front-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Driving enthusiasts will really like the Explorer twin-turbo V6. With it, Explorer ST drivers command 400 horses and 415 lb-ft of torque. As the second engine choice, Toyota Highlander Hybrid models offer lower performance with improvements in fuel efficiency.
For 2025, Ford keeps both of its superior engines. However, it has recalibrated the standard automatic transmission for even sharper shifting.
As for driver assist features, you’ll find similar standard features on both the Ford and Toyota. This includes forward collision warning with autobrake systems, lane departure warnings with lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and more. However, only Ford offers semi-autonomous BlueCruise. Plus the Explorer has exclusive post-collision braking to reduce dangers after the initial impact.
Trim Levels
The 2024 Highlander in Phoenix is offered in five trims while the 2024 Explorer is offered in eight trim levels with a broader range of price points. Both have an 8-inch touchscreen with a larger touchscreen. However, the large Toyota touchscreen is criticized due to its troublesome high-gloss surface.
New for the 2025 model year, the Explorers have a more upscale fit-and-finish with more interior color choices you won’t find on the Highlander. As the new entry level model, 2025 Explorer Active models are incredibly well equipped with dual power chairs, a large 12.3-inch digital instrument display and an even larger 13.2-inch touchscreen.
To learn more about 2025 trim levels, check out this new Explorer review. Since the Toyota was all new in the 2023 model year, it is unlikely that it will change much for 2025, but we will try to revisit this comparison and make updates.
Cabin Size
When you hear about a 3 row SUV, you have every right to wonder whether it has a third row big enough for humans. After all, our kids are growing all the time. We need a safe place to put them.
In this case, the 2024 Explorer cabin is bigger than the 2024 Highlander. For the 2024 models, passenger volume is 152.7 cu ft in the Ford. The Toyota lags with 141.8 cubes. That’s a difference of 12 cubic feet.
Furthermore, the second row legroom is slightly better than the 2024 Highlander. Even more important, the 2024 Explorer has 4.2 inches of extra third row legroom. The Highlander has a miniscule 28 inches while the Explorer has a much more worthy 32.2 inches.
2024 Highlanders in Phoenix have a few other flaws that hurt passenger space. One is the high floor which makes the third row so cramped. The other is the uneven front seat armrests.
As for 2025 Explorers, engineers worked to preserve good passenger space for everyone. They even improved front row space by redesigning the dashboard. Our Phoenix Ford dealership staff can answer your questions about 2024 and 2025 model year changes. This chart is based on the 2024 models.
Explorer vs Highlander Utility
The 2024 Ford Explorer excels at towing with a maximum rating of 5,300 pounds. Highlanders can tow up to 5,000 pounds. As for cargo space, the 2024 Explorer has a bigger rear cargo hold, and the overall cargo hold is also bigger than the 2024 Highlander.
With a whole new exterior look and interior layout, the 2025 Explorer uses its space differently. Shoppers can expect a more spacious front row due to the dashboard placement. The final rear cargo hold is 16.6 cubic feet, still a bit more than the Highlander.
Explorer tow ratings are currently rated at 5,000 pounds for 2025, but that may change when more trim levels are added. One thing’s for sure, Ford SUVs are better at trailering. Explorer shoppers can get trailer assist technologies that keep the Ford out of harm’s way. This includes help with hitching, parking, traveling, and blind spot worries.
For 2025, the entry level Explorer Active will have the standard trailering package to ensure the maximum tow rating.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the 2024 or 2025 Ford Explorer, these models excel at all the things that matter: size, capability, drivability, and technology. Either model year is a better choice compared to the 2024 Toyota Highlander.
Schedule a test drive at Rodeo Ford dealership Phoenix.
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